Switch off with sensory deprivation

"Floating is for everyone! We have many clients who are first responders, nurses, and people in high-stress positions. Folks in the service industry come for pain relief and some peace and quiet from their hectic long shifts, lots of parents who just need some alone time as well as younger people looking to get a break from the never-ending presence of technology," said Float Manager Georgie Silckerodt.BA

Imagine completely zoning out and just floating in total darkness, with no sound… just you and your thoughts.

Every day people walk into Float Canmore to experience this escapism for a variety of different reasons. They check in, walk into a short hallway, enter a private room, shed their clothes, shower, then climb into a lukewarm enclosed pod with 1,300 pounds of Epsom salt water and float on their backs in total darkness and silence for at least 90 minutes.

Manager Georgie Silckerodt says the benefits of sensory deprivation floating are both physical and mental.

“We have many athletes and active clients visiting Float Canmore to reduce their recovery time and improve mobility during times of injury, as the densely concentrated salt water water aids in helping circulation, inflammation, sore muscles, joints and daily aches,” said Silckerodt.

“Floating is also great for pregnancy as women experience a great deal of inflammation and stress to their backs, particularly during the third trimester.”

The other aspect of floating is, of course, mental. Recent research reveals that floating is a great environment to encourage meditation, reflection and even creative thinking.

“The Bow Valley is a very busy place, where everyone is go, go, go. It de-clutters your surroundings so that you can focus on what is important. Many of our clients claim floating helps them with insomnia, seasonal depression and anxiety, problem solving, grief and even addiction. It provides the space and time for you to refocus and rest,” said Silckerodt.

“Here at Float Canmore we provide a quiet space to spend time alone and confront the discomfort of your own company and thoughts. We see it as a wonderfully dynamic tool that allows you mental and physical self bettering.”

She said the difference between float tanks and a hot tub is the full sensory deprivation during your session: No music, no light and absolutely no sound.

“You also do not have any weight on your body, as you’re floating on the surface of the water. No distractions. In addition, the water is good for you! Unlike the chlorinated water of a hot tub, the filtered water and Epson salt does not dry your skin, dehydrate you or make you itchy. It’s also 100 per cent clean water. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for hot tubs which usually host a range of bacteria and bodily fluids.”

Recent research reveals that floating is a great environment to encourage meditation, reflection and even creative thinking.BA

She believes the benefits of meditation are important in today’s day and age.

“A big misconception is that meditation requires you to be spiritual in your lifestyle or appearance and this simply isn’t true.”

“The act of meditation can take on many different forms and doesn’t have to look any specific way. It can reduce your stress and cortisol levels significantly, allowing yourself to ‘reset’ your day with only a couple of minutes of mediation. It’s a great way to gain composure and perspective. If you’re someone who’s struggled to mediate, floating is for you. It eliminates all your distractions and discomfort and lets you get straight to it. We’ve had a lot of success with clients mediating for their first time in the tanks.”

Float’s customers are so diverse that they struggle to pinpoint a main demographic.

“Floating is for everyone! We have many clients who are first responders, nurses, and people in high-stress positions. Folks in the service industry come for pain relief and some peace and quiet from their hectic long shifts, lots of parents who just need some alone time as well as younger people looking to get a break from the never-ending presence of technology.”

Float are now offering 50 per cent off to residents of the Bow Valley who have an affordable services card from the Town Of Canmore.

Silckerodt said the best part about working at Float for her is connecting to people when they are vulnerable.

“When a client is leaving a float session their public mask has slipped and there is this incredible space for honest and real conversation. It’s very intimate and I feel so lucky to be able to share these experiences with people in my community. I have learnt that everyone has their own set of battles and no ones suffering is of less importance. Everyone is doing the best they can and anyone coming to Float Canmore is on a path to understand themselves better. It’s exciting to be part of others journey of self awareness and healing.”

She encourages people who have never floated before to try it.

“Floating is always an experience that is unique to each individual. For some it’s easy and fun and for others it can be confronting and challenging. For a few, it’s just a great nap! I think floating has the power to fill in the gaps of your self care you didn’t realize you had.”

“I think everyone should float at least once, and really listen to what their body and inner dialog has to say, it’s a pretty radical practice, to face yourself and your thoughts for a full hour – you might surprise yourself.”